Fantasy Junction

Description

1972 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino
s/n 4884
Rosso Corsa with Tan leather and black Daytona seats

Named for Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredino, who died in 1956 at the age of 24 as the result of muscular dystrophy, the Dino was, fittingly, a 'baby' Ferrari that was dimensionally smaller and more nimble than any other street Ferrari. Its mid-placed engine was a Ferrari first for a street car, and the engine itself is a gem: a lovely quad cam V6 that reflected the lessons learned from producing V6s for Dino race cars like the 206 SP. The styling for the car was done by Pininfarina, and remains to many one of the most beautiful and exotic Ferraris of the period. Certainly the view from the driver's seat over the two prominently curved fenders is one of the most evocative roadgoing driver's seat views.

This particular car is a well-sorted US model Dino that Fantasy Junction has had the pleasure of selling twice before. It is a low mileage example equipped with power windows, air conditioning, and Daytona seats. In 2005 when Fantasy Junction first sold this car, it showed 26,000 miles, which was believed to have been from new, and today the car shows just under 37,000 miles. The car received considerable restoration work in the late 1980s, including a high quality lacquer repaint in what is believed to tbe the original color. The braking and cooling systems were restored in 2005-2007 and the in 2006, this car earned the Khaki award at Concourso Arizona. After further attention to the smallest of details, the car earned the coveted platinum award at Concourso Arizona in 2007. The car was driven to both shows, a rarity among platinum award winners. In July of 2007, the owner drove this example to Fantasy Junction from Arizona, demonstrating its level of mechanical preparation. Since then, the car has been sparingly used by its current owner in the Seattle area.

Cosmetically the car shows very well. The body is straight with excellent hood, trunk, and door fit. Although the paintwork was completed quite some years ago, it still looks extremely crisp, with presentation consistent with a paint job done 5-7 years ago. A protective clear bra has applied to the frontal facing area to reduce the risk of rock chips. Much of the exterior chrome is likely original, and in very well-kept condition with minimal hazing, light swirls, and no pitting or significant weathering. The wheels have been restored and powder coated. The window glass is very good to excellent throughout. The engine bay, frontal area, and trunk gaskets and trim pieces are all in very good condition, while the rubber trim to the removable top and adjacent to the side windows has a few tears, which is common on these cars. The side window `fuzzies` are probably original, and show some age accordingly. The removable top is painted correct semi-gloss black.

The interior is outstanding. The car is trimmed with very soft leather upholstery on the seats and door panels, which has a pleasant patina on the seats. The factory mouse hair dash appears to be original and is in excellent condition considering this. The car also appears to retain its original vinyl door caps, center console trim, and sill trim, which is also in excellent condition. The carpets have been replaced, and are the correct material. Very minor wear is evident near the pedals, while the balance of the flooring looks virtually new. The door jambs and sill plates are clean and straight. This example retains the soft top storage cover which is commonly missing.

The frontal area is in good, clean, well kept condition. The plastic spare tire surround is in very good condition, and the car is equipped with the restored spare wheel and correct hold down. There is slight deterioration to the paint on the radiator. The foam radiator pad is also in place.

The engine bay is correct to original specifications. The overall impression is that of an unrestored lower mileage car which has been well kept. The heat pad shows some deterioration but the presentation is otherwise consistent with a very nice driver level car. The trunk carpet shows just very minor pilling, and may be original. The underside is free rust or damage repairs, and representative of a well-preserved lower mileage car.

The car is extremely well-sorted mechanically, and is fit for long distance touring. The engine starts easily and pulls strong with good oil pressure, no smoke, and smooth power. Second gear synchro, a common weak point on Dinos, is excellent, both warm and cold. The brakes stop the car effectively and evenly, and the clutch disengages with the correct travel. The suspension and steering bushings are tight and the shocks compliant. All of the gauges work, as does the radio. The antenna and the windshield wipers are not operational at this time. This car is equipped with A/C, but the condenser is not on the car, and therefore the A/C is not currently functional. A stainless Ansa exhaust system has been installed at great expense, and this Dino emits the fantastic V6 exhaust note that makes these cars particularly memorable and enjoyable.

The overall impression is that of a very strong car cosmetically and mechanically, fit to casually show or drive anywhere. There are a few small details which could be improved by the new owner to bring the car up to the next level but none that are required. With the car comes the correct spare tire and wheel, jack, removable top with cover, and owner’s manual and parts book.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608